The PHOTOBUS smart pixel interconnection system for symmetric multiprocessing using workstation clusters

This paper describes how a smart pixel/fibre ribbon interconnection system, PHOTOBUS, can be used to extend the symmetric multiprocessor architecture usually found in multiprocessor workstations to workstation clusters. This could significantly simplify the programming of such clusters, increase their efficiency for a wide range of applications, and provide a uniform programming model for multiprocessor workstations and workstation clusters. The paper describes the protocols necessary to correctly and efficiently implement a symmetric multi-processor using the PHOTOBUS interconnection. We also present the results of a simulation of the performance of such systems using the SPLASH-2 shared memory benchmarks. The simulation demonstrates that good efficiency can be achieved using currently feasible technology.